Scouted selects products independently. If you purchase something from our posts, we may earn a small commission.
Life insurance, smoke detectors, a prenuptial agreement, and an emergency preparedness kit: what do all of these things have in common? Right, they are all things you hope you’ll never have to rely on but that you’ll be glad you have if it hits the fan.
Given the unusual weather we’re seeing out west right now (i.e. Hurricane Hilary), the raging tornadoes in more central states, and the annually present threats of devastating wild fires, blizzards, earthquakes, and other natural disasters—which is not to mention civil unrest, but that can happen too—today, we’re going to focus on the emergency prep kits that cover it all. (For life insurance, talk to a certified agent. Smoke detectors you’d really better have already. And as for a prenup, only you can judge the true character of your S.O.).
Known as go bags, bugout bags, disaster kits, survival bags, or even as a PERK (Personal Emergency Relocation Kit), an emergency prep kit is simply a collection of the bare minimum supplies that you and those who count on you will need to stay safe for a few days even if you are without access to any other hardware or provisions.
To that end, what you need to have in an emergency kit includes water, food, basic first aid supplies, some sort of protection against the elements (think a mylar blanket or thick poncho), a source of lighting, a way to make fire, and some personal safety gear, like gloves and a mask. You’ll find basics like those in every go bag featured below.
What you won’t find are the specific items you and your dependents need, which may range from medicines to diapers to spare contact lenses and fluid to pet care supplies. It’s on you to customize your emergency prep kit as needed by thinking through your group’s needs. It’s also a good idea to tuck some cash, copies of important documents, a local map, spare keys, and perhaps even a small comfort item or two, especially if you have kids.
Again, only you know how to fully customize your go bag to be the best emergency prep kit for your household. But using these disaster preparedness bags as a base for your bugout bag is a smart move. (Oh, and make sure you keep it somewhere you can grab said bag in a hurry.)
MORE FROM SCOUTED:
- How to Stock the Best Emergency Kits for Hurricanes, Earthquakes, Pandemics, and More
- This Water Filter Is a Must-Have for Emergency Prep Kits, Camping Trips and Traveling
- Now Is the Perfect Time to Buy an Emergency Survival Bag
Don’t forget to check out our coupon site to find more deals, including HP coupons, Samsung coupons, Best Buy coupons, and NordVPN coupons.